Turkey budget travel offers the chance to explore a land of untapped potential. From scuba diving to paragliding; the Black Sea to Mount Nemrut, Turkey backpacking tours offer the vacation of a lifetime.

Turkey Budget Travel

Below is a list of Turkey's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Fast Facts

Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)

Dialing Code
90

AIDS

The risk of AIDS in Turkey is extremely low, with a prevalence rate of less than 0.1%. As a predominantly Muslim country with very conservative views, Turkey has a very low incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Conservation

With a diverse environment and many rare and precious habitats, and many highly endangered marine and wildlife species, Turkey conservation plays a vital role in protecting the country's forests, coastal regions, mountains and other habitats. The country has a very progressive approach to conservation, with many private and state sponsored efforts to address the environmental issues within the country.

Culture

Turkey culture comprises of the following elements: • Food and drink • Architecture eras and influences • Arts and calligraphy • Music and dance • Literature and cinema

Health

Health precautions in Turkey include the following: • There have been some outbreaks of Malaria in certain parts of the country • It is best to avoid tap water, and stick to bottled water • Vaccinations are essential when travelling to Turkey • Food can be on the rich side, so tummy bugs can occur • Medical facilities are modern and readily available

Languages

Malaria

Malaria outbreaks have recently been reported in the south-eastern parts of the country, meaning that Turkey malaria medication is recommended if travelling in these parts. Your doctor may advise you to take malaria medication as a precaution even if you are not travelling directly to this part of the country.

Plants

Turkey plants are typical of the forest and coastal habitats of this Mediterranean country, with a number of broadleaf deciduous plants, pine forests, oak forests, steppe, shrubs as well as flowering plants and wildflowers, plus edible plants and crops. Plantlife varies according to the different vegetation regions, which include coastal, mountain and central regions.

Population

A 2009 census puts the population in Turkey at 72,561,312.

Religion

Safety Tips

• Turkey is generally a safe country for travel, with friendly locals to be found in every city • Petty crime can occur however, especially in the bigger cities • Scams can occur, especially for single travellers - be on the lookout for suspicious activity • Be careful when crossing busy streets, as accidents can sometimes happen in the busier cities • In very rural areas, stray dogs are common - while many are tagged and vaccinated, the dogs that do not have tags may pose a rabies risk • Wild animals such as wild boar, bears and wolves can pose a small threat - if you come across any animal, walk away slowly and do not ever approach

Visa Requirements

Turkey visa information is as follows: • Visas are required for all international visitors • A valid passport of 6 months minimum is also required • Certain European countries do not require a passport to enter, but require an ID card instead • A range of visas from single entry tourist visas to work, multiple entry and up to 1 year visas are available • Visas take on average around 3 working days to arrange

What To Buy

What to buy for holidays in Turkey: • Spare batteries for torches and camera • Guide books, bird books, Turkish phrase books • Thick socks for hiking boots • First aid kit for travel purposes • Large refillable water bottle, or plenty of bottled water

What To Pack

What to pack for safari in Turkey: • Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses • Bathing suit and towels • Headscarves for women, plus long skirts and t-shirts that cover shoulders • Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals • Casual and smarter clothes for various activities • Camera with spare batteries and memory card/film • Binoculars for bird spotting • Guide book and phrase book • Mosquito repellent and first aid kit

When To Go

When to go to Turkey: • Spring has the best weather, with long days and less tourists • Autumn has mild weather, with shorter days and more rain • Summer is hot in most regions, with clear weather and more tourists • Winter is typically cold and wet, with snow in parts and the few tourists

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